Richard E. Berger, MD

Visceral (pelvic) Pain Research Studies

Research Interests

1. Trial of Viagra in Men with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Type III
   The aim of this study is to determine if a treatment of Viagra reduces the pain symptoms of men with CPPS. The study also investigates the relationship between quality of life and the perception of pain.
2. Effectiveness of Sympathetic Plexus Block on Male Pelvic Pain (Prostatitis, Prostatodynia)
   This study investigates the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in CPPS by using a nerve block (an anesthetic) to see if pain symptoms are affected.
3. Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) #1
   A Randomized Multi-center Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Amitriptyline for the Treatment of Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) in Newly Diagnosed Patients This study investigates the effects of Amitriptyline as a treatment for symptoms of early PBS patients. We hope to learn more about the cause of PBS and the effects of treatment for this condition.
4. Botox (Botulinum Toxin A) as a Treatment for Chronic Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
   This study seeks to determine the outcomes of Botox injection as a treatment option for men with symptoms of CPPS.
5. Treatment of Male Pelvic Pain (Prostatitis, Prostatadynia)
   Evaluation of comparisons between men with and without symptoms of pelvic pain.
6. A Randomized Multicenter Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of 10mg Alfuzosin in the Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome CP/CPPS) in Recently-Diagnosed and/or Newly-Symptomatic Alpha-blocker Naive Patients
   This study investigates the affect of Alfuzosin on the pain symptoms of men recently diagnosed with CPPS. We are also studying the relationship between treatment response and symptom severity.
7. Botox (Botulinum Toxin A) as a Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis in Women:
   a randomized Placebo Controlled Trial Evaluation of the effectiveness of Botox injection as treatment for symptoms of women with IC.
8. Evaluation of Sympathetic Nervous System in Male Pelvic Pain (Prostatitis, Prostatodynia)
   This study investigates the role of the sympathetic nervous system in CPPS by means of comparing responses from men with and without pelvic pain.
9. Vasal Mucosal Ablation in Vasectomy-A Histologic Study
   This study investigates the effectiveness of a new device for removal of the lining of the vas deferens during a vasectomy. In this study, the vasectomy is not performed using the new method, but is tested on a piece of the vas deferens that is removed during a standard vasectomy.
10. Fragmentation, Oxidative Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in CP/CPPS
    This study investigates the relationship between potential biomarkers of cell/tissue damage and the pain symptoms of men with CPPS. We hope to learn more about the cause of CPPS and the effects of treatment for this condition.
11. Pelvic Pain Syndrome Study Recruitment Registry
    A simple registry of names of persons interested in being contacted for future research studies.
12. Appearance of the Bladder after Hydrodistension
    This study investigates the appearance of the bladder lining in men without pain symptoms after it is filled with water. The results will be used for future comparison against those of men with pain symptoms.
13. Results of Vasectomy Reversal
14. Botulinum Toxin A in Chronic Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Prostatitis)

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